Conference for Administrative Assistants and Executive Assistants – Opening Session

Stellar_assistant

We enjoyed a fabulous breakfast buffet (so much food!) at TBones upscale restaurant. Large tables made for great breakfast conversation with admins from throughout the country and around the globe.

I met Charlotte and Chris from Amarillo. Charlotte described getting approval to attend the conference and her manager’s enthusiastic approval. Angenette from Ohio won employee of the year for the entire school district (41 years of experience!), attending the ODI for the first time as an amazing opportunity in part from her award.  Donna from Maryland joined our table, another first-time attendee. We discussed the changing needs and requirements in the administrative profession.

Being an admin means constantly growing and learning new technologies, new tools, new methodologies, and changing environments and demands. All while balancing ongoing work, building strategic partnerships, building relationships, and creating a personal brand.

How can you continually ‘sharpen your saw’ to anticipate these shifting demands? We agreed it was quality training and continual development!

The session opened with a visit and song by “Liza Minnelli” from Bette and Her Divine Divas on the Strip. “Liza” had a dream many years ago to impersonate the real LM, but there was a problem: she couldn’t carry a tune! She gave us four tips:

  1. Overcome odds.
  2. Never give up.
  3. Believe in yourself.
  4. Be yourself.

After that energizing song, New York, New York (and she sounded just like the real Liza!) Joan Burge, CEO and founder of Office Dynamics International, took the stage.

Joan chose the theme, The Stellar Assistant because the assistants are the stars of the conference. Joan began 25 years ago with 16 people in a conference room in Lansing, Michigan. Today’s conference has 327 people from around the world!

Joan went on to say that beginning in 1990, she asked her self why do some assistants stand out and others do not? She discussed the four areas that Star performers execute and excel in: Attitude, Skill, Teamwork, and Strategy.

Stellar assistants stand out because they maintain a positive attitude no matter what. They develop new skills and enhance current intangible skills. They build teamwork internally and externally, and set goals they work to achieve. They present a professional image and hone their personal brand continually.

Why should you take your career to the next level? Are you bored with your job? No one will hand you a career on a silver platter. You build it yourself every day. You continue to polish yourself and your brand, taking it to the next level. Make your career what you want it to be.

WE HAVE CONTROL OVER OUR CAREERS.

We need to be in a permanent Beta mode so we can continue to grow beyond our current selves.

Joan advised us that interpersonal skills will trump tech skills every time. She added that we should study collaboration, which is different than teamwork.

Today’s assistants need to do more than get the job done. They need to approach their brand will diligence and strategy, so they can build on the foundations of their profession and reach Stellar Assistant status.

Your Reporter in the Field

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Office Dynamics International
5575 S. Durango Dr. Ste. 106
Las Vegas, NV 89113

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Priscilla Pfeiffer

Priscilla Pfeiffer

Speaker | Entertainer | Trainer | TEDx Speaker

You Don’t Matter, Or Do You?

In today’s fast-paced business world, the role of administrative and executive assistants is more crucial than ever in driving innovation and positive change within organizations. However, a common pitfall is that many organizations dive headfirst into radical change without first understanding the heart of the people responsible for implementing it. This dynamic keynote, which includes mesmerizing entertainment elements, will shine a light on the transformative power of seemingly insignificant actions, inspiring you to take the first step towards positioning yourself as a key catalyst to SPARK success.

In this session, you will…

  • Discover how small, intentional actions can have a ripple effect. 
  • Gain strategies for positioning yourself for success within your teams and organizations.
  • Feel empowered to become a catalyst for positive change within your respective spheres, without the burnout.
  • Be inspired to initiate bold actions that can lead to significant personal and professional growth.

Priscilla Pfeiffer, a seasoned professional, boasts a two-decade career in entertainment and business. Her unique show business background allows her to craft mesmerizing performances, leaving enduring memories. Focused on delivering resonant and empowering messages that inspire audiences to make an impact in the world, she illuminates individuals to unlock their full potential in both personal and professional lives.

Renowned for creating “wow factor” moments, Priscilla has an esteemed clientele, including brands like BMW, LinkedIn, iHeart Radio, Michael Jordan’s Air Jordans, Pfizer, Bacardi, Cosmo Latina Magazine, and Zappos. Her impressive credits include sharing the stage with Joan Jett, Will-i-am, Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias, and Marc Anthony, as well as performances on America’s Got Talent, The Latin Grammy Awards, The NHL Awards, Comic Relief, and Celebrity Cruises. Priscilla has also graced the prestigious TEDx stage, where she delivered a compelling talk that resonated with audiences, showcasing her ability to captivate and inspire on a global platform.

In addition, Priscilla hosts the podcast “Spark Your Inner Fire” which delves into the creative mind, torching the inner critic, and reigniting purpose. Through interviews with world-renowned creatives, she shares stories and wisdom, illuminating listeners on their journeys.

In essence, Priscilla Pfeiffer is not only a veteran but a trailblazer whose performances consistently inspire, motivate, and create lasting impressions.